Indian lawmakers gathered Monday to debate a vote of confidence in the government that will likely determine the fate of a landmark civilian nuclear deal with the United States.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was forced to call the vote after his communist political allies withdrew their support for the Congress-led coalition in protest of protest the nuclear deal, which they fear will draw New Delhi closer to Washington.

The debate, which begins in Parliament on Monday, caps a week of intense politicking by the government and the opposition parties to secure a majority in the vote, including poaching lawmakers from other parties with promises of power and even reports of vote buying. The vote is expected late Tuesday.

Several lawmakers jailed while awaiting trial were released on bail to vote, the sick were taken from their beds and minor regional parties were wooed with extravagant promises.

But amid all the horse trading and shifting loyalties it was not clear if the government would be able to muster the majority it needs in the 543-seat lower house of Parliament.

A count by the Hindustan Times newspaper gave the government 270 of the 272 votes needed and the opposition 266, with seven undecided or abstaining. The Times of India gave the government 268 definite votes, the opposition 270 and four undecided.

If the government loses, the nuclear pact will likely be finished.

Under the pact, India would open its civilian reactors to international inspections in exchange for nuclear fuel and technology from the United States. Washington has long banned nuclear trade with India, which has refused to sign international nonproliferation accords and has tested atomic weapons.

Singh has argued that India, which imports 75 percent of its oil, needs the deal to power its energy hungry economy.

If the government falls there will be early elections, probably in October or November.

With the economy weakening, inflation rising and dissatisfaction spreading among ordinary Indians, Singh is as desperate to avoid an election.